Lincoln receives from clerk of Sangamon Circuit Court writ appointing Edward C. West to take deposition of Isaac Gibson in New York for use in Alton & Sangamon cases against Barret and Klein. Photocopy.

Lincoln swears affidavit that David H. Rutledge, deceased, served in Black Hawk War and was honorably discharged. Affidavit Concerning David H. Rutledge, 5 August 1851, CW, 2:108.

Lincoln votes in election for constable. Election Returns.

For nominal consideration Lincoln, sole heir of Thomas Lincoln, deeds west 80 acres of his father's 180-acre farm in Coles County to John D. Johnston, stepbrother, subject to Sarah Bush Lincoln's dower right. Mrs. Lincoln joins in deed. Coles County Record, D, 215; Deed to John D. Johnston, 12 August 1851, CW, 2:108-9.

Lincoln writes and signs chancery bill to foreclose in Talbott v. Dresser et al.Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Mrs. Lincoln buys four yards of calico ($1) at John Williams & Co. Pratt, Personal Finances, 145.

Lincoln takes mortgage on Lots 9, 10, 11, and 12 in Block 3 in Allen's addition to Springfield and to part of lot 8 in Block 10 in Springfield from Daniel E. Ruckel and Catherine V. G. Ruckel, his wife. Mortgage secures promissory note for $300 bearing interest at 10 per cent from next December 25, 1851, and payable December 25, 1854. Book GG, 440-41; Promissory Note Drawn for Daniel E. Ruckel, with Lincoln's Receipts, 15 August 1851, CW, 2:109.

Lincoln informs Martin that he has received depositions from officers and directors of Sangamon & Alton Railroad and that Circuit Court begins today. "Send me, instanter, the minutes of organization, the newspaper publications of the calls [for stock payments], and a witness to prove all by." Abraham Lincoln to William Martin, 25 August 1851, CW, 2:110.

Lincoln & Herndon win two cases, one by default, one by agreed judgment. Record.

Lincoln writes affidavit and has it sworn in Lamb v. Shipman, and files it next day in Sangamon Circuit Court. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Eight of Lincoln & Herndon's cases come up in court. They dismiss one and two are dismissed by their opponents. Graves v. Penny & Campbell is settled by agreement, judgment in amount of $93 and costs being entered for their client. In Keedy v. Barney they default and plaintiff recovers $40 debt and $54.80 damages. Remaining cases are continued. Record.

Lincoln writes judgment in Graves v. Penny, affidavit of defendant in Samuel McClurkan & Co. v. Teasdale, plus notice of deposition and list of questions and acknowledgment of notice of service in latter case. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Depositions are opened in Lincoln's two Sangamon & Alton cases. Joseph Klein and James A. Barret are defendants. Default entered yesterday in Keedy v. Barney is set aside on Lincoln & Herndon's motion. Of their remaining seven cases, they lose one by default, and another, appeal, when court dismisses their writ of certiorari. They win third case and rest are continued. Lincoln writes order of court in Gipson v. Guard & Guard. Record; Photocopy.

Lincoln & Herndon have four cases in Circuit Court. Motions or pleads are filed in three, and fourth—Watters et al. v. Drennan et al.—they dismiss. Record; Photocopy.

Lincoln is impatient with Martin for not sending him necessary records in Sangamon & Alton cases. "You had distinctly promised me that you would send them up whenever I should want them," he complains. "Now, send them at once, if you shall not have done so already." Abraham Lincoln to William Martin, 29 August 1851, CW, 2:110.

Lincoln & Herndon's only case in court is dismissed at opponent's cost. Record.

In Porter v. Clinton, defendant defaults and Lincoln & Herndon's client is awarded dower. Lincoln & Herndon oppose Stuart and Edwards in action for divorce—Chapman v. Chapman. They win case when complainant is granted divorce and custody of five children. Question of alimony is continued. Record.

Lincoln writes to John D. Johnston: "Inclosed is the deed for the land. We are all well, and have nothing in the way of news. We have had no cholera here for about two weeks. Give my love to all, and especially to mother." Abraham Lincoln to John D. Johnston, 31 August 1851, CW, 2:110.